The newly introduced program, ROX (Ruling Our eXperience), at Westerville South began meeting in November. ROX is an all girls group aimed to create generations of confident girls who control their own relationships, experiences, and decisions.
Although the program is just getting started, its potential to positively impact students is already coming to life. Through activities and discussions, ROX aims to help girls navigate the challenges of teen years with self-assurance and support.
School counselors Jennifer Stovall and Jenny Coulter, the organizers of the program, decided to bring the program to WSHS to address issues such as relationship struggles, peer pressure, social situations and more. Stovall and Coulter were driven by a desire to work with students through challenges in life and build self confidence for every type of situation they may face in the future.
As Stovall said, “It gives the students tools in their basket to maneuver through hard times, but also allows them to leave the group and teach others the skills they learned.”
Both students and teachers are feeling the impact of ROX’s focus on self-confidence and personal growth.
The early meetings have prioritized building connections among participants. By engaging in fun and interactive ice-breakers, students have had the chance to share more about themselves and learn about their peers.
Sophomore Marrissa Braskett said, “At first I was nervous about this [ROX], but going to the first couple meetings changed that. They all make such a big effort to make you comfortable. I feel like one of the ice breakers we did gave us the chance to talk and laugh together and that really brought us closer.”
Through the ice breakers and first few activities students have made a connection with each other. Braskett said, “Getting to know the other students in the group has been one of my favorite parts so far, they are all so kind and supportive. We all get along so well even though we all come from different places and backgrounds.”
Coulter and Stovall noted that these initial activities are laying the groundwork for more in-depth discussions. Stovall said, “Currently we are doing team building activities in ROX so that the girls can learn to trust one another and get to know each other better.”
The foundation being built in the program now is crucial. Creating strong relationships within the group is key to the program’s success, as it allows students to feel more open and engaged when the curriculum shifts to discussing personal topics.
“One thing is to realize that everyone has their own story, and allowing girls to see they’re not so different from each other breaks down barriers that we think are in between us, and we realize we are not so different from one another,” Stovall said.
ROX was created with the mission to help young women recognize their self-worth and equip them with the tools to handle everyday challenges. While the program is new at Westerville South, it has been making waves nationwide for almost 20 years, changing how young girls go about their everyday lives.
According to the ROX website, “At ROX, we study girls’ unique experiences and use that data to create resources and programs for you to help girls find their voice, rule their experiences and embrace their confidence.”
At South, the program is already showing promise as a valuable resource for young girls at school. Its focus on self development, leadership, and relationships is creating the path for a new generation of empowered students who are ready to face any challenge.
As we look into the future of what ROX could become, Stovall said, “The ROX program allows young girls to leave our group and help others learn the skills they learned throughout their time at ROX.”
With time, ROX has the potential to become a tool that students use for support, offering a safe space where young women can learn, grow and connect.
